RV Checklists for Pick-Up Day

Picking up your campervan or RV in the United States is a practical, regulated process that often differs from Europe. Rental depots are busy, paperwork-heavy environments, and once you leave the lot, responsibility for the vehicle passes fully to you. For international travellers, missing a step on pick-up day can result in insurance misunderstandings, avoidable damage charges, or confusion about how US systems work on the road.

This checklist explains exactly what to verify before you drive away. It focuses on US-specific rules, insurance, vehicle systems, measurements, and rental practices that may be unfamiliar to European visitors. Taking time to complete these checks will help you start your trip legally insured, confident with the vehicle, and prepared for American driving and campground standards.

Documents and Licensing Checklist

Valid passport matching the rental name.
Your home country driving licence (plastic card version).
International Driving Permit (IDP) if required. Acceptance of EU licences and IDPs varies by state, and some rental companies may require one regardless of local law.
Credit card in the main driver’s name (cash or debit cards are usually not accepted).
Rental confirmation and insurance documents.

In the US, licences are checked carefully at pick-up. Policies on adding additional drivers vary by company, and some restrict changes after collection.

Insurance Checks Before You Sign

What Insurance Is Included?

US RV insurance works differently from Europe. Liability insurance (covering damage to other people or property) is legally required and usually included, but minimum coverage limits vary by state and by rental provider.

Confirm what liability insurance is included and the coverage limits.
Check the collision and damage cover for the RV itself.
Understand the excess (deductible). This is the amount you pay if there is damage.
Ask about windscreen, tyre, awning, and roof coverage, which may be limited or excluded.

For deeper explanations, see the USARVRentals insurance FAQ before pick-up.

Vehicle Size, Weight, and Measurements

US RVs are larger than most European campervans.

Length and height are measured in feet and inches, not metres.
Weight is shown in pounds (lbs), not kilograms.
Fuel is sold in gallons, not litres.

Write down the vehicle height and keep it visible in the cab. Low bridges, tree branches, and drive‑thrus are a common cause of damage for international travellers.

Exterior Damage Inspection

Walk around the RV slowly and photograph all sides.
Check roof edges if visible and ask how roof access is handled (roof-related damage is often excluded).
Note existing scratches, dents, cracked lights, or awning damage.
Confirm tyre condition, including the spare if provided.

Damage not recorded at pick-up may be charged to you on return.

Interior and Equipment Check

Test seatbelts, door locks, and emergency exits.
Check kitchen equipment, fridge, microwave, and hob.
Confirm bedding, cookware, and supplied accessories.
Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Ask for a basic explanation of propane (LP gas) use and shut-off procedures.

If travelling with children, ask about child seat requirements and approved seating positions, as rules and vehicle layouts differ from Europe.

Understanding US RV Systems

Hookups Explained

Full hookups: electricity, fresh water, and sewer connection at a campsite.
Partial hookups: usually electricity and water only.
Dump station: a designated place to empty wastewater tanks.
Boondocking: camping without hookups, often on public land where permitted.

Tank and Power Checks

Fresh water, grey water, and black water tank functions explained by staff.
Generator operation, fuel use, and any noise or time restrictions that may apply in campgrounds.
Electrical system: 110–120 volts (lower than Europe’s 230V).

Driving Orientation and Road Rules

Vehicles are left‑hand drive; traffic keeps right.
Speed limits are in miles per hour.
Right turn on red lights is often allowed after stopping, unless signed otherwise; this rule varies by state and sometimes by city.
Passing on either side on multi‑lane highways is common in the US, but specific rules can vary by state.

Ask about toll roads, state-by-state toll systems, and whether electronic toll passes or pay-by-plate charges apply to your rental.

Campground and Overnight Rules

Camping rules vary widely by state, city, and land manager. Overnight parking is not universally permitted.

State parks: government-run campgrounds, often booked via central reservation systems.
Private RV parks: commercial campgrounds with hookups and facilities.
Supermarket, roadside, or street overnight parking depends on local ordinances and is not reliably allowed.

If you are collecting near major gateways such as Los Angeles or Denver, ask staff for guidance on the nearest legal overnight options.

Final Paperwork and Emergency Information

Confirm emergency contact numbers.
Understand breakdown and roadside assistance procedures.
Check return instructions, fuel policy, generator hours, and cleaning requirements.

Completing this checklist carefully helps ensure your US RV holiday starts smoothly. Once you are ready, you can check current RV availability and collection locations on USARVRentals.com.

RV Checklists for Pick-Up Day